The Dash

It’s “the dash”— those years in between and what you do with them—that does.

Over 30 million people have been inspired by this inspirational movie.

The Story [ABOUT THIS BOOK]

The Dash has been expanded with fourteen new stories—and forty-eight additional pages—for this life-changing book.

It’s not the date you were born or the date that you die that matters. It’s the dash in between.

A brand new edition with forty-eight more pages! Not just a new cover, there are fourteen additional stories from our readers of how The Dash has positively impacted their lives.

The date you were born and the date you died, aren’t what really matters. It’s “the dash”—those years in between and what you do with them—that does. This wonderful book is the most searched for book in our store because it has life-changing and healing potential.

When Linda Ellis wrote the poem, “The Dash”, in one afternoon in 1996, she had no idea that it would change her life forever. In 239 words, she captured the “Simple Truths” of why we were put on this earth. Click here to read the poem. Since then, “The Dash” has been published hundreds of times in books, newspapers, magazines, and company newsletters. It has also been read countless times at company meetings, graduations, and funerals.

The Dash is available in a beautifully designed gift book that now contains an additional nine simple truths from Mac Anderson about what we can do to make a difference with our lives.

Give this meaningful book to anyone in need of encouragement, or students trying to figure out what is important in life. “The Dash’ poem is often read at funerals as a tribute to a person’s wonderfully lived “dash” and is a beautiful sympathy gift. The Dash also makes a special gift for your customers or your employees. Give the gift of inspiration—it’ll be one that keeps on giving.

The Dash

“The Dash” originally was an essay written by Alton Maiden, a former Notre Dame student and football player under famed coach Lou Holtz. Coach Holtz first read the composition to his players in 1996 at a team meeting.

From A Teen’s Game Plan for Life by Lou Holtz:

A few years ago Notre Dame went over to Dublin, Ireland to play the Naval Academy in football.

When we were over there, we went to a twelfth-century cemetery. All we saw was a group of dilapidated walls and huge tombstones.

One of our players, Alton Maiden, sat down at this cemetery and wrote a poem.

The Dash

I’ve seen death staring at me with my own eyes in a way many cannot know.

I’ve seen death take a lot of other people and leave me here below.

I’ve heard many mothers’ cries but death refused to hear.

And in my life I’ve seen a lot of faces filled with many, many tears.

After death has come and gone a tombstone sits for many to see.

It’s not more than a symbol of a person’s memory.

I know the person’s name.

I read the date of birth. Dash. And the date the person passed.

But the more I think about the tombstone, the only important thing is the dash.

Yes, I see the name of the person but that I might forget.

I also read the date of birth and death but even that might not stick.

But thinking about the person I can’t help but think about the dash.

Because that represents a person’s life and that will always last.

So when you begin to charter your life make sure you’re on a positive path.

What are you doing with “Your Dash”?

On a tombstone there is a dash “Your Dash” between the date of birth and death and this video asked the viewer what are they doing with their “DASH.”

Use this video to ask your congregation what they are doing with their TIME, TALENT, and TREASURE, what kind of legacy they will leave behind etc. – See more at: http://www.sermonspice.com/product/36094/the-dash#sthash.HOmspVWq.dpuf

Now there’s a great way to preserve and share your loved one’s story… their legacy… their “DASH”.

It is an honor to… honor our fallen heroes.

To make the history of World War II more vivid and meaningful, teams of students and teachers are tracing the footsteps of those who served and died during the invasion of Normandy.

We should always remember and to honor our fallen heroes of all acts.

Participants in National History Day’s Normandy: Sacrifice for Freedom Albert H. Small Student & Teacher Institute spend months doing intensive research on a single “silent hero,” before offering a personalized graveside eulogy. The NewsHour’s April Brown reports.